Sam Christie

We’ve expanded to Boston and to celebrate we decided to pay Bostonians’ parking tickets and to give away gift cards and Amazon Echo Dots. For more on everything we’ve done in Boston, visit Random Acts of Parking.

Random Acts of Parking: Boston Recap was last modified: December 13th, 2017 by Sam Christie

There’s no shortage of things to do throughout the rest of the year in NYC, but the summer is when this city truly shines. New York Summers are full of possibility with concerts, festivals, restaurants, and other extensive entertainment options.

Whether you live in New York or are just visiting, our Ultimate Guide to Summer in New York City will help you plan out what to do every weekend – until the summer is over!

Concerts

Brand New & Modest Mouse

We can’t imagine a better one-two musical punch that will activate a fierce nostalgia in your bones. Brand New and Modest Mouse act together as a powerful rock duo that will bring you right back to your emo high school days.

Billy Joel

If you haven’t been to New York City’s iconic Madison Square Garden, it’s hard to think of a better time than this summer’s upcoming Billy Joel concert. Immerse yourself in a musical experience that can only come together from someone who’s a songwriter, singer, and pianist!

Haitus Kaiyote

Hiatus Kaiyote knows a little bit about the power of phonetics and a lot about music. This future-soul quartet is making the long trip from Melbourne, Australia to share their musical stylings with New York City. You’ll catch them jammin’ at the Amphitheater at the Coney Island Boardwalk.

Comedy Shows

Seinfeld

Seinfeld has a very loyal following, even years after the TV show stopped producing new episodes. If you’re the type of person who finds yourself constantly quoting the show, you’d be wise to grab a ticket to one of two dates before other super fans beat you to it!

New York City FC

Theater/Musicals

What could be better than a night on Broadway in New York City? You haven’t fully experienced all this wonderful city has to offer until you’ve made some time for some of our nation’s best theatrical productions!

Arthur Miller’s The Crucible

Looking for a play that will make you think? Arthur Miller’s The Crucible is dripping with historical references – but some are fictionalized! A must see for those interested in the Salem Witch Trials and McCarthyism.

Queensbridge Park

If you’re by the Queensboro Bridge, you really ought to make your way over to Queensbridge Park. It was constructed back in 1901, but has been beautifully maintained since then. Spend the day enjoying an almost unlimited amount of leisure activities including a wading pool, picnic areas, and sports fields like volleyball.

Gantry Plaza State park

There isn’t a lot of space to spare in New York City, but the Gantry Plaza State Park spans over 12 acres. You might recognize it’s picturesque grounds from the 2005 film Munich, and the film The Interpreter (look for the Pepsi sign!).

Washington Square Park

If you’re enjoying a stroll on Fifth Avenue, you might as well take a detour to the Washington Square Park. Catch up on a little history while viewing statues featuring famous figures from history, like George Washington, Giuseppe Garibaldi, and Alexander Lyman Holley. You may recognize it from movies including I am Legend, August Rush, and Kids.

Union Square Park

If you’re a fan of outdoor markets, then you’d better make sure that your time in New York City leads to an afternoon in Union Square Park. It’s home to the Union Square Green Market. If you’re downtown in the winter, you’ll also be able to catch the Union Square Holiday Market.

Madison Square Park

There’s plenty of historical relevance within the gates of Madison Square Park, but we’re really most excited about the Shake Shack that serves up delicious hotdogs, burgers, and shakes. Once you’ve satisfied your hunger, make sure to check out the various statues and walking areas.

Bryant Park

Bryant Park’s namesake is an homage to the New York Evening Post editor and abolitionist: William Cullen Bryant. Its beautiful grounds have been featured in popular movies like Ghostbusters and Morning Glory. Besides trying to recreate your favorite scenes, you should also check out the reading room, skating pond, and holiday shops (if you’re there in the winter!).

And if you’re there at the exact right time, you may be able to catch a taping of the final three in Project Runway during Fashion Week.

Touristy Stuff

There’s no avoiding it so you might as well embrace it. Besides, New York City tourist spots are bucket list items for travelers.

Empire State Building

Also known as New York’s nickname namesake. Its Art Deco style has been named one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. Make sure to take the elevator up to the 86th floor for the most insane views of New York’s metropolis.

Times Square

Have you really been to New York City if you haven’t spent time in Times Square? The flashing billboards and heavy (pedestrian and vehicular) traffic are all part of the experience. You may also know it as the Crossroads of the World, Center of the Universe, or the Heart of the Great White Way. If you’re in New York City in the winter, head over for the Annual Ball Drop on New Year’s Eve.

The “square” is a bit of a misnomer, as the area Times Square occupies is more like a polygon in a bowtie shape. Attempts to petition the city to change the name to Times Bowtie Polygon have been unsuccessful.

Statue of Liberty

A symbol of hope for immigrants arriving in Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty is almost synonymous with “America.” This 151 foot copper status was a gift to the US from the people of France.Statue Cruises will ferry you over, then you can purchase tickets to climb the staircase, pedestal, and crown.

Top Food Picks

Where do we begin? NYC has no shortage of food options, even if our go-to is always a delicious cheese pizza that we devour by ourselves in a single sitting.Here are a few suggestions to get you started on your New York City food journey.

Brooklyn Brewery

Here’s a spot for the tourist who’s over 21. Brooklyn Brewery beer is known and distributed throughout the United States, but you should give it a try at the home base.

Jack’s Wife Freda

Black Tap

Need an afternoon treat? The Black Tap has some insane milkshakes that tend to photograph well for Instagram, if you’re into that sort of thing. Not feeling sweet? They also serve a hearty menu of craft beer and burgers.

Baracca

So there you have it. Your Ultimate Guide to Summer in New York City. With a little bit of planning, you can have it all: Yankees games, a performance of Hamilton, Nick Offerman’s live comedy show, a beautiful day in the park, and some brag worthy meals (to start!).

Is there something we missed? What would you add to the Ultimate Guide to Summer in New York City? We’d love to hear your feedback in the comments!

Your Ultimate Guide to Summer in New York was last modified: August 15th, 2016 by Sam Christie

Your four-legged buddy might be your best friend at home, but traveling with a dog doesn’t always make sense. If you like to travel regularly, or even if you’re just planning a special trip, you might feel some guilt about leaving Fido or Fluffy at home.

Travelers that are Manhattan-bound may not have to leave their dogs at home though. From boutique hotels that love to pamper your pet, to restaurants that will happily send your dog away with an overflowing bag of treats, Manhattan is one of the most pooch-friendly cities on the planet.

Loews Regency Hotel

Finding a place to stay is one of the most challenging parts of vacationing for those traveling with a pet. Some hotels in Manhattan will allow small dogs – think cat size – but some won’t allow pets at all. Others charge big fees for cleaning and nightly pet stays.

The Loews Regency Hotel, located right near Central Park, isn’t one of those spots. While they do charge more than a couple of pennies per night, they won’t gouge you just for bringing your dog.

Barking Dog Luncheonette

Located on the Upper East Side, Barking Dog Luncheonette is one of the most dog-friendly restaurants you’re going to find in Manhattan or anywhere else. While your pet can’t dine with you indoors, you can grab one of the many tables outside and watch the street scene unfold with them.

Barking Dog Luncheonette will even make sure your four-legged pal has some fresh, clean water to drink. That’s especially important on those hot summer afternoons.

Note it’s best to call ahead to see if they’ll hold a table for you outside so you can bring your dog.

Times Square

You may not be able to take your pet to a Broadway show, but you shouldn’t miss Times Square. It’s one of the most walkable areas in the city, perfect for stretching your legs and getting your barker some exercise.

Many stores, including major clothing and department stores, also turn a blind eye to well-behaved pets. Smaller boutiques may also welcome pets with manners, if you ask nicely.

Fred’s

Known for their great bites and dog-friendly seating, Fred’s restaurant even uses a dog in their logo. You won’t be able to eat inside at Fred’s with your pup, but there’s ample outdoor seating for lunch and dinner at this excellent American bistro at the corner of 83rd and Amsterdam.

Art enthusiasts who visit New York City often want to visit the places where Andy Warhol frequented and lived. Warhol, an American artist and filmmaker, was a leading figure in the visual art movement known as pop art, and today’s artists, art students and art lovers still admire his work and love learning everything they can about the art icon.

Warhol, a Pittsburgh native, lived in NYC from 1949 until his death in 1987. Art lovers will want to check out these famous Warhol sites:

2) Edie Sedgwick’s apartment was located at 16 E. 63rd Street. Sedgwick, one of the artists so-called “Superstars” and Warhol were often out and about around town. She starred in his films Poor Little Rich Girl and Beauty #2.

3) One of Warhol’s favorite places to dine was Elaine’s Restaurant, located at 1703 Second Avenue, at 88th Street.

4) And of course, no trip to New York City would be complete without a trip to the Empire State Building. Warhol decided to film a still shot of the building for a solid eight hours and this resulted in his movie Empire.

6) Those who know all about Andy Warhol will want to visit the site of what he called “The Factory.” It is located at 231 E. 47th Street. The Factory took up the entire fourth floor of the 1887 Peoples Cold Storage and Warehouse. Warhol’s boyfriend at the time decorated the entire space in silver and aluminum foil. In addition to making art there, Warhol shot hundreds of rolls of film in The Factory.

7) The New York Public Library at Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street was an inspiration to Warhol. He found the images there inspiring, and even dated one of the library workers.

8) The Guggenheim Museum was the location of a 1963 exhibition that included Warhol’s work the “Six Painters and the Object.” Visitors paid just 50 cents to attend the exhibit.

9) Warhol’s first solo show, “New York Pop Art,” was held at the Stable Gallery, located at 33 E. 74th Street. It later hosted his famous “Brillo Boxes” show in 1964.

10) And of course, Warhol was one of many celebrities who frequented the infamous dance club Studio 54. Located at 254 W. 54th Street, it was the place to see and be seen in the late 1970s.

11) Those who wish to see Warhol’s early NYC home, the place where he lived from 1960 to 1974 will need to head to 1342 Lexington Avenue. Warhol purchased this building, his first, in 1960. He lived there with his mother, Julia Warhola, and their cats.

12) His second home, from 1974 to 1987, was located at 57 E. 66th Street. This brownstone was home to Warhol and his boyfriend (as well as their dogs) until Warhol’s death in 1987.

What is your favorite stop on the unofficial Andy Warhol NYC tour?

A Guide to Andy Warhol’s New York was last modified: May 3rd, 2016 by Sam Christie

New York City is known for its food, and those with a sweet tooth will be happy to know there is no shortage of wonderful desserts in town.

The following list is a crave-worthy collection of the best that New York City has to offer (this is just five, there are many more!). This list is just a sampling of the city’s amazing dessert world. These desserts aren’t simply favorites, they are places visitors (and residents) can find some jaw-droppingly delicious sweets.

Magnolia Bakery: Fans of Sex in the City will remember Carrie and Miranda indulging at the Magnolia Bakery. This is one of the top dessert spots in the city. Open late every night, they are famous for their banana pudding, their cupcakes, their brownies and their, well, everything! Visitors to the city will want to stop in and enjoy a delicious treat during their stay.

Dough: Dough’s doughnuts are a delicious treat that will have customers gaining weight just by looking at the doughnuts! Dough makes their sweet concoctions fresh throughout the day and the variety will amaze. Chef Gerson makes these amazing doughnuts and is the mastermind behind the store. The doughnuts at Dough are light, fluffy and huge. The shop is a cult favorite and is completely worthy of the hype. The flavors are unique and it’s hard to go wrong with any choice. They have locations in Flatiron, Brooklyn, Times Square, and Vanderbilt.

Peter Pan Donut & Pastry Shop: Another top shop for doughnuts is Peter Pan Donut & Pastry Shop. Recently, US News Travel named them one of the best doughnut shops in the United States. At Peter Pan, the donuts are delicious and affordable (they are just a dollar a doughnut)! Peter Pan is an old-timey pastry shop with a counter where patrons can sit, or they can choose to stand in line and get them to go (the line is always out the door, though, so be prepared!). Customer favorites are the red velvet donut and the lemon-filled donut. For those who aren’t doughnut fans, they also bake up a wonderful coffee cake.

Baked: Baked is a new bakery for those who really love desserts. This is a friendly neighborhood bakery that offers Stumptown coffee in addition to its wonderful baked goods. Try a scone, a malted brownie or a specialty cake (like their Coca-Cola Bundt Cake). Customers also love their “Brooksters,” which are brownies stuffed with chocolate chunk cookie batter. For those who prefer a pie, the pumpkin gets rave reviews. The pie’s crust is made of oats and flour and is filled with a silky pumpkin filling that is flavored with seasonal spices. At Baked, pies are available on a first-come, first-served basis, except for during the holidays. Then, they need to be pre-ordered.

Vosges: Vosges is an upscale, plush chocolate bar that is just full of sinful flavors. They use only top-quality 72 percent cacao dark chocolate with spices. Try a delicate truffle or their Guajillo & Chipotle Chili Super Dark Day of the Dead Chocolate Skull. This particular sweet is made of very dark chocolate that is quite hot (but the heat sneaks up on you!).

Whatever type of sweet you are craving, NYC has a lot to offer. Did we miss any of your favorite dessert spots?

The Five Best Places to Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth in NYC was last modified: April 27th, 2016 by Sam Christie

All work and no play is no way to spend the day. Fortunately, New York City is full of fabulous off-Broadway theaters and comedy clubs where people can kick up their feet and relax when the workday is done. Every day of the week, the city’s stages are lit up and ready to entertain.

Looking for the crème de la crème of the creative? Look no further than this fabulous troupe. Among the oldest theater companies in the city, they have won so many Obie and Bessie awards over the years that they have lost count. Not content to stay in one place, the group moves around the city to keep things interesting.

Oh-Kla-Homa, where the laughs keep rolling down the plains. Or, something like that. It seems only fitting that one of the most recited Broadway lines in history inspired The Nature Theater of Oklahoma to open their doors to whatever might tumble through. Directed by the talented duo of Pavol Liska and Kelly Copper, their plays are anything but ordinary. They are real, down to earth, and unlike anything else you will see this side of the prairie.

It may be an election year, but the most exciting debates aren’t taking place on the television. This year’s hottest action can only be seen on the Brooklyn stage The Debate Society is lighting up. Founded by two ex-lovers who love and hate one another in the same breath, their shows are smart, witty, emotionally charged and intellectually stimulating. Unabashed, and unafraid, the performances on their stage are high-brow entertainment that shouldn’t be missed.

Feeling nostalgic for a blast from the past? Caroline’s remains one of the hottest comedy clubs in the Big Apple, and the comics taking to the stage are eager to prove they can still take a bite out of it. The club also hosts the hottest up-and-comers hoping to climb to the lofty heights their predecessors have achieved. A popular Times Square venue since the early 1980s, the place is packed throughout the week so be sure to get tickets early.

Joker approved, the Gotham Comedy Club has hosted everyone from Larry David to Jerry Seinfeld. It’s possible to see Dane Cook, Dave Chappelle, and many others here. Colin Quinn also graces the stage from time to time. Best of all, those who think they have what it takes to join the ranks of the professionals can sign-up for classes and learn how America’s most beloved comics do what they do.

Fans of improv comedy will fall in love with the crew at the Upright Citizens Brigade. Their shows often feature the cast of SNL and some of the most talented comedy writers in the country. Witty, raw, and unplanned, this is where real comedians show their skills as master performers. It is a fabulous place to get up close to some truly talented comedians without having to reach for the remote first.

Did we miss any of your favorite spots? Let us know in the comments below.

Off-Broadway Theaters and Comedy Clubs to Visit in NYC was last modified: April 5th, 2016 by Sam Christie

New York City is the epicenter of many forms of musical art, from the jazz of the 1950s to the rock and roll of the 1960s to the punk of the 1970s. For that reason, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that dozens of iconic album art photos where shot within the city limits.

Read on to learn about 10 of the most famous and where their iconic covers were photographed in the city.

Wednesday Morning, 3 A.M. by Simon and Garfunkel

Simon and Garfunkel were already well-known by the time they posed for the cover of Wednesday Morning, 3 A.M. on the lower platform of 5th Avenue and 53rd Street. Shot with a unique focus that gives both performers an eerie, almost ghost-like and voyeuristic quality, one wonders whether either of them got on the outbound E or F trains when they stopped.

Pretzel Logic by Steely Dan

Steely Dan might have been a group of studio musicians who only got together to jam, but rabid fans were waiting for their third album, Pretzel Logic, for months before it was released. The album features a straight-forward photo of a New York street scene at Fifth Avenue and 79th Street.

The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan by Bob Dylan

A star in the making when this photo was shot, Bob Dylan was already a fixture of the New York folk scene. The photo was taken at the corner of Jones Street and West 4th Street, with Dylan’s real-life girlfriend on his arm. The relationship may not have lasted, but this iconic photo is one every folk and rock fan knows well.

After the Gold Rush by Neil Young

Neil Young may not be synonymous with New York, but the cover of his After the Gold Rush album was shot at the corner of Sullivan Street and West 3rd Street in front of NYU law school. As far as who the elderly woman on the cover is, legend has it that it was a passer-by that Young and his photographer wanted to keep in the finished photo.

Dressed to Kill by Kiss

Kiss shot their Dressed to Kill cover at the intersection of 8th Avenue and 23rd Street. Legend has it that the suits they wore on the cover were borrowed because only one of the members of the band owned one in 1975!

As legendary as Bob Dylan is, it’s no surprise he has two covers on this list. Shot on the steps of 4 Gramercy Park, the photo has become increasingly iconic because of the album’s status as a true rock and roll classic.

Rocket to Russia by The Ramones

Hometown punks The Ramones lived in and loved NYC, and they played countless shows at CBGBs. The back door of the club at Extra Place and East 1st Street was a natural choice for this candid shot.

Live at Max’s Kansas City by The Velvet Underground

Another legendary NYC band, The Velvet Underground put together a blistering set for this unique live album. Shot at 213 Park Avenue in front of Max’s, this cool cover barely does the record justice.

New York Dolls by New York Dolls

This-self titled album from hometown glam-rockers was shot at 2nd Avenue and St. Mark’s Place. The band recently began performing together again, but any true rock fan knows this cover of their first album.

Are there any we missed? Let us know in the comments below if your favorite album didn’t make the cut.

10 NYC Spots Where Iconic Album Art Was Photographed was last modified: March 29th, 2016 by Sam Christie

We’re excited to tell you that ParkWhiz has been chosen by Xerox for itsGo LA transportation app, which integrates all available ground methods of transportation in Los Angeles. Go LA allows local residents and visitors to seamlessly navigate the heavily trafficked city in the second largest metro area of the United States. Go LA aggregates and calculates the time, cost, carbon footprint, and health benefits from walking, biking, driving your own car, parking, taking public transit, as well as the emerging private transportation options, giving users a variety of ways to reach their destination.

Through the app, ParkWhiz provides a fast and efficient way for drivers to find and book guaranteed parking spaces before reaching their destination. The app’s other partners include local taxi cab companies, ride-hailing services Lyft and car-sharing service Zipcar, city and county mass transit, and Flitways, an online-pre-booking travel service.

“When thinking of a parking partner for this app, ParkWhiz immediately came to our minds because it is innovative and easy to use,” said David Cummins, senior vice president, Mobility Solutions, Xerox. “ParkWhiz is the perfect partner because it allows us to provide another level of seamless travel experience for our users that prefer to drive themselves and want an easy parking choice.”

“The advancement of transportation technology is giving consumers more options than ever to get where they need to be. At ParkWhiz we are using technology to eliminate the uncertainty that can come from parking in big cities such as LA. Drivers get a guaranteed space, know where to go and know what it costs to park – creating an intelligent parking ecosystem that makes driving as easy as taking a cab, ride share or public transportation.”

The Go LA app is now available for iOS and Android systems in the Apple and Google Play stores atwww.golaapp.com.

Xerox Partners with ParkWhiz to Bring a Seamless Parking Experience to Los Angeles was last modified: March 23rd, 2016 by Sam Christie

It’s almost springtime and that means it’s time to get excited about all of the upcoming festivals in New York City. From art to film to music, NYC offers visitors and residents plenty of outdoor fun in the sun.

Tribeca Film Festival

The Tribeca Film Festival is Robert De Niro’s baby. This festival has been around since 2002, shining a light on local indie features, foreign films and documentaries as well as the newest films from up-and-coming filmmakers and big names in show biz.

It takes place in Lower Manhattan from April 13th through the 24th across a number of venues. Ticket prices vary and can be purchased online.

NYC Independent Film Festival

The NYC Independent Film Festival takes place in April, too. It starts April 27th and runs through May 3rd. It takes place in Times Square, the hub of entertainment in NYC, and celebrates the independent documentaries, short- and full-length films, music videos and animation. All weekend long festival-goers can attend panels, screenings, and parties!

Frieze New York

Frieze New York is one of the world’s leading contemporary art fairs. It takes place in May, from the 5th through the 8th (preview day is May 4th). Over 200 of the world’s leading galleries showcase their art at the Frieze and there are innovative curated sections as well as daily talks from cultural figures and site-specific artist commissions. This fair is also held on Randall’s Island.

NYC Vegetarian Food Festival

Hosted at the Metropolitan Pavilion on May 7 and 8, the NYC Vegetarian Food Festival is great for vegetarians and vegetable lovers, in general. Along with showcasing vegetarian cuisine, there are also lectures and presentations by leading experts in vegetarianism and members of the medical profession extolling the virtues of plant-based diets.

Electric Daisy Carnival

EDC New York is the Big Apple’s entry in this global series of electronic dance music events. It features some of EDM’s biggest names and occurs in one of the most well-known venues in the country, Citi Field, on May 14 and 15. This year’s lineup includes 4B, Adventure Club and Afrojack on day one and Alison Wonderland, Audiotistic State and Bassrush Experience on day two.

New York African Film Festival

With events throughout the city in the month of May, the New York African Film Festival is more than just great movies. There are works by visual and performing artists and presentations by scholars, chefs and critics. The goal is to have festivalgoers understand the “reinvention of Africa through the movement of its people across the globe.”

The Governors Ball

The Governors Ball is a music festival that runs for three days in June (June 3rd through the 5th). It takes place on Randall’s Island, on a variety of stages. There is music of all genres, as well as plenty of art and food.

The festival first started in 2011, and it features hip hop, rock, electronic, indie, folk and more. In addition to all the great music, attendees can enjoy food from the best food trucks in New York, as well as fun activities such as lawn games, ping pong and photo booths.

NYC Wine and Food Festival

The NYC WFF (Wine and Food Festival) is held from October 13th through the 16th. It raises money for the Food Bank of New York City and the No Kid Hungry campaign.

This star-studded event brings together renowned wine and spirits producers, TV personalities, amazing chefs, and some of the best loved culinary personalities in the world, all to showcase great wine and food. It features more than 100 events and is the largest food and wine festival in New York.

The festival celebrates delicious food, allows attendees to enjoy private dinners with world-renowned chefs, offers late night parties and hands-on classes as well as educational seminars and wine tastings. This is the festival’s 9th year, and tickets go on sale in June.

Upcoming Festivals in New York City was last modified: March 22nd, 2016 by Sam Christie